By Ghazali Ibrahim
Veteran Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani has been named recipient of the 2026 Award of Excellence in Humanistic Practice by the Nigerian Academy of Letters.
In a letter dated July 31, 2026, the Academy said the award recognizes Kelani’s “outstanding contributions as a filmmaker, storyteller, and multi-talented media practitioner” for elevating Nigerian languages, culture, and history.
According to NAL, Kelani was selected for work that “continues to enrich the humanities.”
The investiture will hold during the Academy’s 2026 Convocation on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos.
“Kelani has remained a professional artist of rare distinction,” the letter signed by NAL Secretary, Prof. Olakunbi O. Olasope, read.
The Academy will cover logistics and asked Kelani to confirm by August 7.
Popularly known as TK, the 77-year-old filmmaker was born in Lagos and raised in Abeokuta, where early exposure to Yoruba theatre and literature shaped him.
After training at the London Film School and working as a cinematographer, he founded Mainframe Films and Television Productions to document Nigeria’s heritage.
For 40+ years, TK has adapted Nigerian novels and plays to film. His credits include: Saworoide, Thunderbolt: Magun, The Narrow Path, Arugba, Maami, Dazzling Mirage
He’s also known for the Mobile Cinema Project, which takes film and information to grassroots communities across Nigeria.
On X, fans praised the honour: “This is the man who made us proud of Yoruba on film. No gimmicks, just culture.”
The Nigerian Academy of Letters is Nigeria’s apex body for scholars of language, literature and the humanities.
The Award of Excellence in Humanistic Practice honours individuals whose work advances Nigerian culture beyond academia.
With this honour, Kelani adds another milestone to a career built on preserving identity through film.
